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Ultimate SHTF rifle???
- Thread starter LordOfGont
- Start date
Seconded.
Viva America/Go USA and all that, but domestic manufacturers for some reason just can't seem to make a top-tier AK (or even a mid-tier AK, for that matter). It's always wise to stick with Kalashnikovs made by commies.
All things being equal, if it is a SHTF scenario, and I am not worried about super long range, I would go with the Aero Survival Rifle.
Can shoot .45 ACP, 10mm, .40 .357 Sig, and 9mm by swapping a couple parts, and they just made it even easier, as they released a universal bolt, so now, it is just a barrel swap for everything other than .45 ACP and 10mm, where you have to change the magwell as well.
(EDIT - .460 Rowland too)
Takes Glock Mags, and is damn accurate for a PCC.
Can shoot .45 ACP, 10mm, .40 .357 Sig, and 9mm by swapping a couple parts, and they just made it even easier, as they released a universal bolt, so now, it is just a barrel swap for everything other than .45 ACP and 10mm, where you have to change the magwell as well.
(EDIT - .460 Rowland too)
Takes Glock Mags, and is damn accurate for a PCC.
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Tartakovsky
NES Member
And I’ve heard many really good things, from owners and owners that work at FFLs. If you’re that concerned, then yes, get an Arsenal, Beryl, Saiga or Kalashnikov Concern. If you can find one, a Swiss AK or SG550 Sig 55x series, or Galil if you want AK like but stupid reliable, accurate, and built like tanks. If money is no concern, also HK93.
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If your SHTF scenario includes an EMP there is a good chance that all your red dots, Eotechs and NV/thermal are going to be rendered useless.
I use etched reticles on my optics, so the EMP fantasy box is checked.
I use etched reticles on my optics, so the EMP fantasy box is checked.
not new guy
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Beaver barf or go home!
Tartakovsky
NES Member
I like optics that don’t take batteries in a SHTF scenario, so fiber optics with tritium like ACOGs and Accupoints for LPVOs with good irons for me.
not new guy
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Not getting a Swiss Sig rifle before this law went live is my biggest regret (so far).
ACOGs have etched reticles, but accupoints have wire reticles. I’m a fan of accupoints, but wire reticles can delaminate from the glass. Just something to consider. Even if an optic needs a battery for illumination, if it has a reticle that’s clearly visible at low power, it alleviates that issue.
Tartakovsky
NES Member
I have two Accupoint TR25s and a TR26 and they’re going very strong after ten years of ownership.
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Lank
NES Member
Is bro on right wearing a Stone Cold 3:16 shirt?For hunting? Self/home defense?
Assuming home/self defense/tactical use. What carbines are being fielded by other irregular, non-highly trained/funded groups in real life SHTF everyday?
Military Arms Channel Guy made a pretty good point; that an M4/fancy gun with optics, etc is great when you have an infrastructure + company of men behind you supporting it, but for that 'post apocolyptic The Walking Dead-type scenario" he says he'll use his AK-74.
And it's simple enough that a kid can use it. (and many do every day, smoking optional)
fencer
NES Member
I think that PCC's are better suited for home defense than SHTF, mostly because of effective range. There are obviously some advantages to being able to use the same ammo in your sidearm as your "long gun", but if it really comes to it, I want to be able to engage at as great a distance as possible, and even with irons, I am very confident that I can put rounds on target at 300 yards + with any of my AR's.
Also, an M4 is just as easy to shoot as a PCC and every bit as accurate at closer targets. Yes, they are much louder, but targets move a lot, and I want to ensure that even if I dont put a round in the CNS, the target is less likely to continue to engage.
Ammo availability is also a consideration. And there will likely be 5.56 around.
When I think about, I think a 9mm PCC would be a great choice if I had to arm my wife, but I would likely go with an AR with green tips and a separate sidearm in 45acp.
I guess there are trade offs no matter what you choose, but I am sticking with a rifle with higher velocity and greater range.
Tartakovsky
NES Member
I’d still arm my wife with a 5.56 AR if I thought she’d be effective in a SHTF scenario.
Yup, it’s all a trade space.
And I pretty much agree with all you said, but a non-blowback PCC is definitely easier to shoot quickly and accurately than an AR. ARs don’t have much recoil, but the muzzle will still bounce off target easily without training and practice.
just wanted to say the same - of how much people got used to take anything electric and with batteries for granted.
optic that is useless without a juice source is useless.
not even the EMP, just a world where local wallmart is no more. and batteries are no more.
I'd take one of my. 308/7.62 nato AR10 carbines. Probably something you don't hear usually.
Heavy, ammo is too, but not insanely so. Good for hunting whatever at whatever distance. And .308/7.62 nato, without being one bit wierd, is a whole lot more intimidating when it comes to defeating common structures someone may use as a barricade compared to 5.56 or 7.62 Russian. Body armor included.
Heavy, ammo is too, but not insanely so. Good for hunting whatever at whatever distance. And .308/7.62 nato, without being one bit wierd, is a whole lot more intimidating when it comes to defeating common structures someone may use as a barricade compared to 5.56 or 7.62 Russian. Body armor included.
Soundwave
NES Member
I keep thinking of doing another AR-10 upper instead of my unwieldy 20" barrel setup.
Caveman
NES Member
Does it have to be semi auto? I think I’d end up with a 308 bolt action with a scope and backup iron sights. I love my semi autos. but personally I think a bolt action will probably outlive a semi auto when it all breaks down. I don’t want to have to carry a bunch of spare parts and batteries when food water and ammo can take priority. I don’t necessarily want to spray and pray all my ammo away either. If i’m in a situation where i’m laying down cover fire or keeping their heads down. Things have already gone the wrong way. I bought Savage 110 Scout a couple years back with this in mind.
Subtle flex, lol.
I'm from the school of thought that believes a pistol is mainly useful for fighting your way to a rifle. I'd NEVER prioritize a pistol over a rifle, and that definitely includes caliber.
Maybe it was it was in this thread already, but there's a video out there showing 5 gal buckets of water hit by 5.56 and .308 at 300 yards. Mrs Mountain and I have some AR 308's in various calibers, but IMHO the best SHTF rifle is going to be a top quality AR-15.
Honestly, the best SHTF "rifle" isn't a rifle, it's this-
Honestly, the best SHTF "rifle" isn't a rifle, it's this-
Careful, you'll rile up the PSA cucks. You have a while to duck for cover if they're in the middle of a "Ban me harder, Daddy!" session. (No MA sales)
![[devil]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/015.gif "Devil [devil]")
*fingers in my ears* “La la la la la, I can’t hear you.”
Considering how many undisclosed affiliate marketers they have in their pockets, I’m not sure how anybody can take positive reviews seriously about PSA stuff.
Caveman
NES Member
I have 2 PSA ak’s. I can attest to this. I would not use them if my life depended on it. mine are ammo sensitive. I don’t want that in a AK. my Zastava’s on the other hand are beasts so far. Unless we are being invaded by someone carrying x39 and appropriate mags I don’t think i’d choose one as a shtf rifle. as “common” as the ammo and parts are they are not that common. I couldn’t depend on restocking regularly. 308 or 556 chambering for a rifle imo.
My understanding of how .308 destroys stuff is pit shooting where we pound concrete, steel, and such. It's just much more damaging much more quickly, though it extends to your shoulder as well.
I woud advise people to stock up.on the boize or drug of choice because if we get hit by an emp that's actually capable of blowing up stuff at that level, we're all about to die shortly thereafter.
It's not a whole lot different in terms of performance at 16 inches. Though personally I stay away from really light barrels if there's going to be 20+ round mags involved, too much heat too quickly.
As full rifles I have 2x 16s, an 18, a 20, and a 22 inch. The 20 and 22 are with bipods and big scopes. The 16s have 2.5x optics. And the 18 a carry handle.
Interestingly, you cannot usually find real AR10 carry handles & I'd love one. Using an AR15/M4 version, works fine, but isn't quite perfect. The AR10 versions are a touch longer.
My ambition at some point, a light 1-6ish sorta optics for one of the carbines. Better suited for all around use than a static 2.5x.
Barrel wise in a 16 inch, given you are talking about an upper, I suggest something advertised as match grade that's also chrome lined. I believe the one I'm running on my favorite carbine is a criterion. I'd worn out the previous BA/Aero barrel without some insane round count, which first reared it's head as over gassing then I noted later accuracy had also taken a dump.
It's debatable, but a good adjustable gas block is nice on AR10s. A good spring should be a must. They can be extremely reliable across lots of a wide range of ammo, but details do matter a lot more to get to one that you truly can trust.
I woud advise people to stock up.on the boize or drug of choice because if we get hit by an emp that's actually capable of blowing up stuff at that level, we're all about to die shortly thereafter.
As my old paleontology professor once said, “if an asteroid is coming towards earth I’m grabbing two handles of whisky”
